New requirements for temporary accommodations in Mecca and Medina for the safety of pilgrims

In a move aimed at enhancing Hajj and Umrah services, the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, has issued a comprehensive set of updated municipal regulations governing the temporary accommodation sector in the two holy cities of Mecca and Medina. This step is intended to ensure the provision of the best possible services to pilgrims, with a focus on strict adherence to safety and urban planning standards during the Hajj season.

The context of development and keeping pace with Vision 2030

These upgrades are of paramount importance given the strategic directions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia within Vision 2030, which aims to host 30 million Umrah and Hajj pilgrims annually. To achieve this ambitious goal, relevant authorities are working to develop infrastructure and enhance the efficiency of accommodation facilities to ensure a safe and accessible spiritual experience. Temporary accommodations are a key component in accommodating the increasing number of pilgrims, necessitating precise regulations to ensure that quantitative expansion does not compromise the quality of services provided.

Scope of requirements and their strategic objectives

The ministry clarified that the temporal and spatial scope of these requirements is limited to accommodations designated for seasonal operation during the Hajj period. This is to ensure the selection of the most geographically and logistically suitable locations to serve pilgrims and to achieve the highest levels of operational readiness before the season begins. The new standards aim to:

• Creating a qualitative shift in the efficiency of temporary hospitality buildings.
• Creating a visual architectural identity that is in harmony with the heritage and spiritual character of the two holy cities.
• Improving the urban landscape and addressing visual pollution.

Safety standards and civil defense approvals

The Ministry placed the safety of pilgrims at the forefront of its priorities, linking the granting of licenses to the necessity of obtaining approvals from the Civil Defense and relevant supervisory authorities. It also stipulated the submission of a valid commercial registration and obtaining approval from the relevant municipality regarding the location of the accommodation, to ensure the absence of any potential risks that could threaten the safety of the pilgrims.

Technical and spatial requirements

The new regulations included detailed provisions to ensure quality construction and design, most notably:

• Spatial controls: accurately determining building ratios, areas and setbacks, and regulating commercial signs to ensure the smooth flow of crowds.
• Saudi Building Code: Obliging investors to apply structural safety standards in accordance with the approved Saudi code.
• Accessibility: Making facilities accessible to people with disabilities, ensuring they can perform their rituals with ease and convenience.
• Exterior facades: Attention should be paid to the design of facades and sidewalks in a way that is consistent with the urban identity of the area.

Operational control and health certificates

On the operational level, the ministry imposed strict oversight, including hygiene standards, regular maintenance, and proper waste management. Operators were also required to provide a security camera network to ensure 24/7 site safety and security. Regarding personnel, the regulations included stringent health requirements for employees, mandating that they possess documented health certificates proving they are free from communicable diseases, and that they fully comply with the regulations of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

This regulatory step confirms the Ministry’s endeavor to encourage investment in the seasonal hospitality sector by providing a clear and transparent regulatory environment, which contributes to raising the level of satisfaction of pilgrims and enhances the Kingdom’s position as a leading global destination in crowd management and the provision of hospitality services.